Central Heat Pumps

A central heat pump has a similar installation process as a central air conditioner, the only difference being some communication wiring  to allow for both heating and cooling settings:

• The heat pump coil (indoor unit) is installed on top of your existing furnace
• The compressor (outdoor unit) is installed somewhere outside your home (usually as close as possible to the location of the indoor unit)
• The line set (copper tubing that holds the refrigerant) is connected to both the coil and the compressor
• Power wires are run from your breaker panel to your outdoor unit
• Communication wires are run from your thermostat to your indoor unit (depending if you have an existing blower fan or furnace)

Many  of our customers choose to get a hump pump over an air conditioner for several reasons:

• Heat pumps cost the same amount of labour as air conditioners
• Heat pumps heat and cool your home more efficiently (saving you thousands of dollars in electrical costs)
• Fortis BC provides a heat pump rebate when you switch from natural gas to a central heat pump
• You get heating and cooling from one system (excellent choice for those with little space for HVAC equipment)

Many heat pumps can last for 10-15 years or more with the right amount of maintenance. 

Heat pump maintenance can greatly affect the overall lifespan of a heat pump because regular maintenance can increase efficiency and lower electrical costs.

After you get your central heat pump installed in your home, there are a few common maintenance tips to ensure your heat pump lasts as long as possible:

1. Ensure your outdoor unit (compressor) has room to dispel heat (don't cover it up or store things near it)
2. Ensure your outdoor unit is kept clean (a dirty heat pump coil will reduce efficiency and SEER ratings)
3. Ensure your indoor unit (coil) is kept clean and your filter is changed at least once every 6 months
4. If your outdoor unit makes odd noises or isn't heating/cooling the same as when it was first installed, get it inspected!

Central heat pumps can cost anywhere from $8,000 CAD to upwards of $20,000 CAD depending on the quality of the equipment and your location/ difficulty of installation.

Fortis BC has central heat pump rebates to help homeowners afford the upfront costs of installing a heat pump.